Differential equations and dynamical systems courses

This page collects some information about (ordinary) differential equations and dynamical systems courses offered at Caltech. This page was prepared in preparation for a faculty discussion on integrated ACM 106b, AM 125b and CDS 140a.

Ph 20, 21, 22. Computational Physics Laboratory. A series of courses on the application of computational techniques to simulate or solve simple physical systems, with the intent of aiding both physics understanding and programming ability. Instructors: Mach, Prince.

20. 6 units (0-6-0); first, second, third terms. Introduction to scientific computing with applications to physics. Use of numerical algorithms and symbolic manipulation packages for solution of physical problems. Numerical integration and numerical solution of differential equations of motion. Simulation of orbital mechanics.

Ph 129 abc. Mathematical Methods of Physics. 9 units (3-0-6); first, second, third terms. Prerequisites: Ph 106 abc and ACM 95/100 abc or Ma 108 abc, or equivalents. Mathematical methods and their application in physics. First term includes analytic and numerical methods for solving differential equations, integral equations, and transforms, and other applications of real analysis. Second term covers group theoretic methods in physics. Third term focuses on probability and statistics in physics. The three terms can be taken independently. Instructors: Porter, Ooguri.